We're launching an exciting new audio documentary project: Mat Moms! In this 5-part audio series, multi-time black belt world champion Emily Kwok interviews some of the sport's most successful moms to discuss Jiu-Jitsu, motherhood, and everything in between.

Ep. 1: Livia Giles
In this episode, Emily is joined by Livia Giles, the partner of Lachlan Giles and co-operator of SUBMETA. In this episode, Emily and Livia explore Livia's latest pregnancy (this episode was recorded a while ago), how Livia balanced training with pregnancy, and how motherhood changed her competitive aspirations.

Ep. 2: Ana Carolina Schmitt
In part two of Mat Moms, Emily Kwok is joined by IBJJF black belt world champion Ana Carolina Schmitt! Ana talks about her journey from elite gymnastics to Jiu-Jitsu greatness, navigating injuries, pregnancy, and motherhood while pursuing competition at the highest level. They explore balancing family, training, and self-care, offering an inspiring perspective on resilience, growth, and redefining what success means for athlete moms.

Ep. 3: Rachel Morrison Casias
In Mat Moms part three, Emily Kwok interviews attorney, Marine Corps veteran, and black belt competitor Rachel Morrison Casias for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation. Rachel shares her journey through law, motherhood, and Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting on how she’s balanced these roles while living with young-onset Alzheimer’s. The discussion explores her time in the Marine Corps, her marriage to fellow black belt Ray Casias, raising children alongside competition life, and the lessons she’s learned about maturity, boundaries, and redefining success. Rachel’s insights on excellence versus achievement, women’s evolving roles in Jiu-Jitsu, and the power of self-compassion offer a heartfelt look at perseverance, identity, and growth both on and off the mats.

Ep. 4: Karen Antunes Girotto
In Mat Moms part four, Emily Kwok talks with 5x BJJ world champion Karen Antunes Girotto about balancing high-level Jiu-Jitsu with the realities of motherhood. Karen opens up about pregnancy challenges, rebuilding after birth, running a gym, and the crucial role of partnership in pursuing big goals. Together, they explore identity, empowerment, and redefining success as both athletes and parents. A deeply honest and inspiring look at how parenthood can transform performance, purpose, and the path forward.

Mat Moms Ep. 5: Elisabeth Clay
In this episode of Mat Moms, Emily Kwok sits down with elite competitor Elisabeth Clay for a raw, honest conversation about motherhood at the highest levels of Jiu-Jitsu. Elisabeth shares her journey starting Jiu-Jitsu at age 12, returning to world-class competition just weeks after giving birth, and navigating breastfeeding, weight cuts, injuries, and travel with a baby in tow. Together, they explore identity, ambition, physical recovery, and the mental shift of balancing elite performance with parenting. This episode offers reassurance, realism, and inspiration for mothers who refuse to choose between family and the mats.